France 2-0 Morocco: Mbappé and Dembélé Send Les Bleus to a Third Straight World Cup Semifinal

WorldCup.NYC Editorial — July 9, 2026 | Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

France are in the World Cup 2026 semifinals, and it wasn't particularly close. Two second-half goals — Kylian Mbappé just before the hour, Ousmane Dembélé six minutes later — put Morocco away at a sweltering Gillette Stadium and confirmed what the tournament statistics had been saying for weeks: this is the most complete team in the competition, and they are not done yet.

It is the third consecutive World Cup semifinal for Les Bleus under Didier Deschamps, making them only the third nation in history to achieve that feat alongside Brazil and Germany. France have now won all six of their matches at this tournament without requiring extra time — a unique record among all remaining semifinalists.

First Half: Mbappé Denied from the Spot

The first 45 minutes told the story of the day. France dominated possession, Morocco defended deep and compact, and the one moment of genuine drama came from the penalty spot. Mbappé was felled by Issa Diop in the box after a VAR review that lasted over three minutes, but Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou guessed correctly and pushed the spot-kick wide. It was Mbappé's first penalty miss at this World Cup.

Morocco's attacking output in that first half was almost non-existent. Opta's data showed an xG of just 0.04 for the Atlas Lions through 45 minutes — essentially statistical zero. Without the injured Ismaël Saibari, Morocco had no threat in behind and no natural link between their compact midfield and an isolated forward line. Brahim Díaz worked hard but found no space. The half ended 0-0 and felt like it could only go one way.

Second Half: Mbappé Makes Amends, Dembélé Finishes It

France's breakthrough came in the 60th minute and it was spectacular. Mbappé received possession just inside the box, shifted the ball onto his left foot, and curled a precise finish around Issa Diop and inside the far post past a helpless Bounou. It was his 20th career World Cup goal — drawing him level with Lionel Messi at the top of the all-time Golden Boot race for this tournament at eight goals each.

Six minutes later, the match was over. Dembélé picked up the ball on the right, drove at the Moroccan defense with that distinctive low centre of gravity, and fired a low shot that Bounou got a hand to but could only deflect into the net. Dembélé's fifth goal of the tournament. France were 2-0 up and the game had no way back for Morocco.

Mbappé was substituted in the 77th minute — walking off with what appeared to be a right ankle knock, later seen on the bench with an ice pack. French medical staff are cautiously optimistic it is not serious, but his availability for the semifinal will be monitored over the coming days.

Morocco Bow Out With Pride

Morocco are eliminated. Their 34-match international unbeaten run ends here. The absence of Saibari proved decisive — without their primary outlet ball and link player, Morocco's defensive structure was solid but their attacking threat was negligible. Bounou was outstanding, finishing with six saves, but the volume and quality of chances France created across 90 minutes made the result feel inevitable.

Morocco depart as one of the stories of the tournament. Their 3-0 win over Canada was impressive. Their overall defensive record — conceding just three goals in six matches — confirms they are a serious international program. But France in this form are operating at a level that only one or two other nations can match, and Morocco simply could not find the moments to punish them.

What's Next: France vs Spain/Belgium, July 14, Dallas

France now face the winner of Spain vs Belgium on Friday July 10. That match is at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles at 3pm ET. The semifinal is at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Tuesday July 14. France are the heavy favourites to reach the Final at MetLife Stadium on July 19 regardless of who comes through from the other side of the bracket.